Ultimately,

karate should consist in the mental control of an opponent or opponents. If you're challenged to fight, you will be prepared to avoid any attack and at the same time you will observe your opponent's weakness. You will take for granted a successful outcome for yourself and will concentrate completely. Without thought you will be aware of every slightest change or


movement in the environment. In such a state of mind you are ready to beat your opponent in physical combat, and meditation is essential for the cultivation of such a state of mind.

But if, on the other hand, you can control an opponent by sheer mental force - by the force of your personality - and make a peaceful settlement, this is the course you will choose. This is a discipline common to all the martial arts. It is known as 'kiai-jutsu' and is the real end of meditation in 'budo'.